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If you’ve read my biography, you may know that I work for The Arts Partnership. Working for TAP has given me a lot of insight into the numerous performances that are available in Hancock County (disclaimer: some of these come from The Arts Partnership). I scoured some of the organizations to compile of list of the 10 Must-See Performances in Hancock County this Season. By no means does this list mean that these productions are better than the ones not included but these productions are on my radar. Take the time to check them out in addition to the organizations producing them as they have so much more to offer!

Hancock County is home to The Arts Partnership’s Youtheatre program which highlights the talents of the students in grades 1-12 from all over the county. This season is the first to host the production at Marathon Center for the Performing Arts allowing the group to accommodate more than 90 on-stage students for the first time in years. Seussical the Musical in an upbeat family show that ties together many of Dr. Seuss’ cherished tales.

Last year’s Youtheatre production of Godspell was great, I can’t wait to see Seussical the Musical!

Dates: November 2-5Price: $8 for adults and $6 for senior citizens; free for BU studentsLocation: Ramseyer Auditorium in College Hall

The theatre side of Bluffton University offers two annual productions, with the Fall’s production being the classic The Crucible. Many of you may have read the book or seen the film adaptation. Opening just after Halloween, there is no more perfect time to become engrossed in this story about the Salem witch trials.

Dates: November 9-12Price: $5 for the public; free for UF students and employeesLocation: Frank J. Egner Center for the Performing Arts

Antigoneis one of those classic plays that is referenced in popular culture time and time again which is why this University of Findlay production has earned a spot on the must-see list. Antigone, one of the most time-honored Greek tragedies, is the enduring tale of making heroic choices in the face of impossible odds. Antigone is a searing tale of love, power, family and fate. This modern adaption of Sophocles’ classic tragedy by Jean Anouilh was first performed in Paris in 1944, during the Nazi occupation of France.

Dates: December 3Price: $25Location: Marathon Center for the Performing Arts

Before, when MCPA was Central High School Auditorium, The Nutcracker was a staple in this community and it seems to becoming that way again. Back for the second year is the Neos Dance Theatre’s rendition ofA 1940s Nutcracker. This version is set in Findlay, Ohio, taking twist from the holiday classic and paying homage to an iconic age of film, fashion, American Christmas traditions, the industrial age and WWII.

Neos Dance Theatre’s rendition of A 1940s Nutcracker is set in Findlay and is a wonderful holiday tradition!

Date: December 10Price: FreeLocation: Founder’s Hall

The Messiah is a long standing tradition for Bluffton University, in fact, this year marks 122 years of performances of this piece. The event is free to the public but it is also open for community members to participate and sing.

I can’t say enough about the talented youth in this community which is why I had to include these two iconic students groups. They produce a joint show in January every year to highlight what Pantasia has learned over the year and unveil Findlay First Edition’s new competition show.

Findlay and Hancock County is fortunate to benefit from the Donnell Broadway Concert Series twice a year. Every fall and spring semester this program brings a Broadway performer to the University of Findlay for a public performance which is free to University of Findlay students. Past performances include both Broadway stars as well as national recording artists including Cheyenne Jackson, Brent Barrett, and Liz Callaway. The program has provided the community with professional musical acts since 2012.

Date: April 26th-29th, May 3rd-6th and May 10th-13th 2018Price: $15Location: Fort Findlay Playhouse

Fort Findlay Playhouse is a powerhouse for producing locally-casted and produced show after show, season after season. This season’s highlight is the renowned musical Anything Goes. The story concerns madcap antics aboard an ocean liner bound from New York to London. Billy Crocker is a stowaway in love with heiress Hope Harcourt, who is engaged to Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Nightclub singer Reno Sweeney and Public Enemy #13 Moonface Martin aid Billy in his quest to win Hope.

Plays at Fort Findlay Playhouse are locally-casted and produced – each production is excellent!

Ok, so I cheated here because this is actually three events but I wanted to highlight it as an affordable options for families. These three productions were selected for their family-friendly content and are presented at a time that is intended to be the least disruptive for young families’ schedules. This partnership between Marathon Center for the Performing Arts and The Arts Partnership guarantees quality youth-oriented programming in a world class theater.

You got me again, this is also a series of events but I found this series to be a gem and a taste of a bigger city amenities brought to Findlay. The series is new this year and is being touted as an “intimate and jazz-club atmosphere” with a cash bar available and mid-range priced tickets.